Anticipated Epic Race Action This Weekend

The stage is set for 2 of the biggest races in the US this coming weekend. First off the Super Bowl of ultra running will start at 5 am in Squaw Valley this Saturday morning with the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run. Just getting into the field is very tough, yet alone all the preparation and then the race itself is a quad crusher. Most of the field has waited 2 long years to race the point to point course climbing 15,540 feet and descending 22,970 feet before reaching Auburn. Last year's race was unfortunately called off due to wildfires along the course.

We have some strong contenders from Team Inov-8 for this year's race. Veteran Andy Jones-Wilkins will be tough once again as he eats, sleeps and breathes about this race. Brian Morrison will be right up there with the contenders, as will Kevin Sullivan and Scott Dunlap. With the usual pre-race attrition the men's field is a little more wide open. Perennial favorite and 7 time champ Scott Jurek will be tough to beat though. Good luck boys!


On the East Coast this Sunday morning we have the Cranmore Hill Climb which is Race #4 in the Inov-8 USATF-NE Series. The 2009 Cranmore Hill Climb will serve as the USA Mountain Running Championships and as the NACAC (North American-Central American-Caribbean) Mountain Running Championships. This is a coveted prize for mountain runners everywhere as the top three American men and top American woman at the 2009 Cranmore Hill Climb will receive automatic berths on the Teva US Mountain Running Team that will compete in September at the World Mountain Running Championships in Italy. The 2009 Cranmore Hill Climb will consist of two 5.8 km laps, up and down the ski mountain and each lap has 1200' of gain. Last week's 3rd place finisher at Mt.Washington, Joe Gray will be a strong contender for a spot on the team. Also Aaron Saft will be in the mix as well up front and look for Kevin Tilton and Ben Nephew to be a force this Sunday. Team Inov-8 has a strong group of ladies toeing the line as well. Amber Moran, Gina Lucrezi, and Kelli Lusk are all good climbers and speedy enough to be contending for that top spot. Good luck everyone!